The ruler known as "The Sun King" was Louis XIV of France. His reign lasted from 1643 to 1715 and is often associated with the apex of absolute monarchy in France. Louis XIV famously embodied the ideals of absolutism, asserting that he was the state and centralizing power in his own hands. His lavish lifestyle and grand projects, such as the construction of the Palace of Versailles, reflected his opulence and authority. Louis XIV's era is often seen as a period of cultural flourishing, greatly influencing art, architecture, and politics in Europe, and setting standards for future monarchs.